Ephesians 4:28

Some collegians think manual labor is the president of Mexico—until they graduate. Suddenly the light dawns. Reality frowns. And that sheltered, brainy scholar who has majored in medieval literature and minored in Latin comes of age. He experiences a strange sensation deep within two weeks after framing his diploma. Hunger. Remarkable motivation accompanies this feeling.

His attempts at finding employment prove futile. Places with openings don't really need a guy with a master's in medieval lit. They can't even spell it. When employers are looking for people, they want someone who can put to use the knowledge that's been gained whether the field is geology or accounting, engineering or plumbing, barbering or welding.

Just now finishing school? Looking for a job? Remember this—dreams are great and visions are fun. But in the final analysis, when the bills come due, they'll be paid by manual labor, hard work forged in the furnace of practicality.

Even the great apostle Paul worked with his hands to support himself.

Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.